Note the pattern of white keys: three white keys enclosing two black keys, and four white keys enclosing three black keys. C is the white key on the left of the two enclosed black keys. This pattern is consistent on all keyboards. Every note on the keyboard is represented in this single 12-note octave, which is the term for an interval of notes that appear in the same order. Different octaves are higher or lower in pitch depending on where they are positioned in reference to the middle octave.
The symbol ♯ is read as “sharp,”[3] X Research source and the symbol ♭ is read as “flat. ” The white keys are called “natural” tones, and are the main keys used in most songs. The black keys are known as “accidentals,” and contain sharp and flat sounds in tones in between the natural keys.
A grand or upright piano has 88 keys, but there are electronic and modified keyboards with 44 or 49 keys. The more keys that a keyboard has, the more octaves the keyboard is capable of playing. [4] X Research source
On a treble clef, the note directly on the bottom line is E, and the note in between the first and second line is F. The note directly on top of the second line is A, and the note in between the second and third line is B. The pattern continues from there. On a bass clef, the note on the bottom line is G, and the note in between the first and second line is A. The note sitting directly on top of the second line is B, with the C note in between the second and third line. The pattern continues as you move up the scale.
Start by learning the treble clef first, since the right hand is typically required to play most of the notes in beginner or intermediate sheet music. The treble scale starts with E at the bottom of the staff, while the bass scale starts with G at the bottom of the staff.
A flat line sitting on top of a staff line indicates a rest, which is where you don’t play anything for the duration of the measure. [9] X Research source
The two numbers directly to the right of the clef are called the time signature. They tell you how quickly you’re supposed to play the notes based on the song’s tempo. [11] X Research source Major chords are chords that start in C, while minor chords start in E.
On a bass clef, the order of the keys translates easily to the phrase “Good Boys Do Fine Always” for the notes on the lines, and “All Cows Eat Grass” for the notes in between. [14] X Research source
This is a good way to internalize the sound of notes and will come in handy when you eventually want to picture what sheet music sounds like in your head.
Start by practicing scales slowly and focusing on your finger positions. As you get more comfortable, do your scales faster and faster.
